explain that progressive activity will probably begin the evening of or morning after surgery

reinforce physician's explanation about wearing a soft cervical collar (following a cervical laminectomy) or a back brace or corset (following a lumbar laminectomy) if client is expected to need one while the surgical area heals (some physicians order this stabilization device to provide additional support to the operative area for a few weeks postoperatively if the surgery is fairly extensive and/or the client has a tendency to be too active)

if a laminectomy with spinal fusion is planned:

explain that progressive activity usually begins 1-3 days after surgery depending on physician preference and extensiveness of the surgery

reinforce physician's explanation about the type of stabilization device that will need to be worn while the surgical area heals (usually a rigid cervical collar or halo brace following a cervical fusion and a back brace following a lumbar fusion)

if client has muscle weakness or numbness or tingling in the affected extremity, explain that it may take weeks to months to resolve after surgery due to surgical trauma and the time it takes the peripheral nerves to heal.

Allow time for questions and clarification of information provided.

Allow time for client to practice putting on and removing stabilization device if available preoperatively.

Desired Outcome

The client will demonstrate the ability to perform activities designed to prevent postoperative complications.